The first thing that stands out to me about this New Balance 530 is that it manages to do two things at once. From a distance, it’s a clean, light-colored sneaker. Up close, there’s far more texture than you’d expect.
The base is made from white-and-cream mesh, layered with overlays of rough, fuzzy suede in a dark coffee-brown shade. That contrast between smooth mesh and rugged suede is really the whole idea behind the shoe. Narrow sand-colored leather trims run between them, while the N on the side is black with a brown outline. The laces are black, giving the overall look a little more edge than it would have if everything were beige.
Would I wear it myself?
Yes, especially because the color combination asks so little of you. Brown and cream work with almost anything without looking forced: jeans, black trousers, khaki, or a gray sweater. There’s no accent color demanding attention, so you don’t have to think twice about it in the morning.
That’s exactly what I like about models like this: they’re not exciting, and here, that isn’t a drawback. The 530 has a slim, elongated shape that works just as well with smart trousers as it does with sweatpants. It’s a shoe to wear, not to keep on a shelf.
Practical details
As for the fit, the 530 has a fairly narrow last and a low opening, so if you usually have a wider foot, it’s worth checking the retailer’s sizing information. Sizing can vary between shops, and with an online order, that’s the only thing you can check in advance.
There’s nothing overly elaborate going on underneath, either. You’re standing on a regular cushioned sole without excessive height, making it suitable for days when you do a lot of walking. It’s not the most luxurious cushioning you can buy, but it’s more than enough for commuting and running errands.
The midsole is sand-colored with visible ABZORB cushioning in the heel, while the outsole is finished in brown. I think that brown tread is a smart choice: a dusty day will show up much faster on a white sole.
The rough suede is something to keep in mind, though. This type of suede picks up dust more easily than smooth leather, so if you want to keep it looking neat, a soft brush is well worth having. Nothing complicated, but it can make the difference between it still looking fresh after six months and not.
What it costs
The retail price was €130. At the moment, there are thirty-two active offers, ranging from around €88 at the low end to approximately €190. What stands out is that a sizeable share of them are priced exactly at €130 — clearly the price most retailers have settled on. The lower prices come from a handful of sellers, while the highest are outliers.
That makes comparing prices worthwhile, but there’s no need to rush. You mainly just need to see who has the 530 in your size listed below the retail price. With a New Balance that’s sold so widely, you could easily save forty euros on the exact same shoe.